A Preview to Joshua Buatsi Vs Craig Richards

As soon as this fight was announced, I had to get tickets. I can see arguments for both Joshua Buatsi and Craig Richards having their hand raised on Saturday. A true 50/50 fight with the winner catapulted to mandatory position for Dmitry Bivol.

The undercard is impressive with Chantelle Cameron and Ellie Scotney in fights that could determine the future of their career!

Here is a preview of the full fight card:

Joshua Buatsi Vs Craig Richards:

Can anyone clearly pick a winner in this fight?

Buatsi is coming off a great win against Ricards Bolotniks, a fighter that was on a great winning streak and was ranked the number 3 contender with the WBA. Buasti would’ve learnt a lot from that fight. He had Bolotniks down in the 6th, then may have tried to rush his work and emptied the tank a little too early… Regardless, he gained a second wind stopping Bolotniks in the 11th.

He was due to fight Maxim Vlasov in December. However, a hand injury meant Buatsi has been side-lined since this victory. Vlasov is arguably the harder fight on paper than Craig Richards, with many thinking he should’ve won the WBO world title against Joe Smith Jr.

Craig Richards has gained some newfound confidence after his stoppage win against Shakam Pitters for the British title in 2020. He went straight into a fight with Dmitry Bivol and gave a very good account of himself. After Bivol’s win against Canelo, you can’t help but give Richards credit.

Yes, Bivol was coming off a two-year layoff, yes it seemed a flat performance, but you must give Richards credit for making Bivol look that way. He looked spiteful in his comeback fight, lacking what some wanted to see in his performance against the WBA Champion.

However, spitefulness is Buatsi’s game. Along with his technical ability, one mistake by Richards and Buatsi will make him pay. Slightly leaning towards Buatsi for this reason but if Richards applies pressure from the start, it will be a very difficult night for the Olympic Bronze Medallist.

Chantelle Cameron Vs Victoria Bustos

One of Britain’s most talented world champions returns on Saturday. Her first fight after unifying the division against Mary McGee in October.

In an ideal situation, this fight would be for all the belts after all the champions in the Super-Lightweight division signed up for a tournament that would decide the Undisputed champion. However, Kali Reis picked up an injury after her split decision victory against Jessica Camara and has been out of the ring since.

You must give Cameron credit for wanting to fight, instead of waiting for Kali Reis to recover. Inactivity can be dangerous going into a legacy defining fight. I can see Cameron winning a wide points victory on Saturday.

Cameron Vs Reis for Undisputed is a must for July or August.

Ellie Scotney Vs Maria Cecilia Roman

In my previous article, I argued why Ellie Scotney is one of my picks to become world champion this year.

This is such an important fight for Ellie Scotney’s career, a win here would catapult her to a world title opportunity. Maria Cecilia Roman is a former world champion who, until her loss to Ebanie Bridges in March, held the IBF Bantamweight crown since 2017, making her the longest reigning world champion in the division. Depending on how she wins, Scotney could fight for a world title at Super-Bantamweight or go down to Bantamweight and fight Bridges or Jamie Mitchell, the champions in the Matchroom stable.

Having potential world title opportunities in two weight divisions is a chance not many fighters get and, under the guidance of Shane McGuigan, I have no doubt she will become a world champion this year.

The one to watch – Shiloh ‘Sugar Shy’ Defreitas

I was on my way to Daniel Jacobs Vs John Ryder at Alexandra Palace and saw Barry Jones and a few others tweet about Shiloh Defreitas fighting early on the undercard. Instead of staying out of the arena for a little longer, I decided to go in by myself and watch ‘Sugar Shy’ first hand.

I am very glad I did, Shiloh Defreitas is a TALENT.

It wasn’t only his punch output that impressed me but the variety of punches he throws in quick succession. His movement was also exceptional. Him, Adam Azim, and Joe Cordina have all been sparring together for their upcoming fights, I would love to be a fly on the wall during these spars. They must have been a pleasure to watch.

The Undercard

Robbie Davies Jr returns with every fight seeming to be a must win for his career, seems to finally have full trust in a trainer with Shane McGuigan. A win could set up a big fight; James Tennyson, Montana Love, and a rematch with Lewis Ritson all being potential opponents.

Alen ‘Savage’ Babic is back aiming to secure the Bridgerweight world title at the end of the year. I feel he may need a serious step-up before he fights Oscar Rivas for the title.

2021 Olympian Cheavon Clarke continues his progression in the pro ranks. More eyes will be watching him after the great promotional work done by Eddie Hearn linking him to a potential fight with Jake Paul.

Young stars Cyrus Pattison and John Hedges Jr continue their development in the professional ranks. Both are showing considerable improvements with each fight and will be looking to secure local titles next year.